This editorial comments on a study (EC 614 974) concerning interviews with children suspected to be victims of sexual abuse which eliminated interviewer bias and possible leading questioning. It supports further research into the effectiveness of "blind interviews" but also urges major changes in arrangements for obtaining children's evidence on…

Centerstone Community Mental Health, a private nonprofit agency based in Nashville, Tennessee, has responded to community needs by establishing new service programs to address them with whatever funding is available. Three described here are: an alternative school for students who cannot make it in public schools, school-based mental health…

Research seeks to determine key elements in sustainability of projects to reorient an aspect of their service to an early intervention approach in mental health. Findings confirm literature on capacity building which suggests several crucial predictors of success in changing the ways agencies run. These include the development of interagency…

Evaluates the usefulness of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a routine measure to screen for emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents referred to a community child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). Results reveal that the SDQ is sensitive in detecting emotional and behavioral problems and may…

This pilot study aimed to establish the psychiatric morbidity in children remanded to prison custody using an age appropriate instrument, the K-SADS. The 19 boys interviewed showed high rates of affective disorders, substance misuse and conduct disorder. Study highlights the need to develop child and adolescent mental health services for children…

A variation of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) for use in a needs assessment with key informants is described. The Missouri Department of Mental Health's planning staff, using the NGT, compiled key decision makers' perceptions of regional needs. The NGT helped in prioritizing the issues for each region. (TJH)

A conceptual framework is presented as a guide to defining starting points for primary prevention of behavioral and emotional disorders. Selected approaches reflecting these concepts are reviewed, and implementation considerations within the school setting are discussed. (SLD)

A methodology was developed for conducting a benefit-cost analysis of an innovative supported employment intervention for the psychiatrically disabled. Results indicated that the program, which targeted 19 participants, approached cost efficiency of almost .90 of benefits to costs. The value of the methodology for program evaluation is discussed.…

Notes that life care communities provide continuum of residential services to the elderly. Describes the provision of on-site psychiatric consultations to 82 individuals residing in one such community. Notes that dementia and major depression were most common diagnoses made. (Author/NB)

Describes Pasadena, California's, Young and Healthy Project, a program based on the belief that all children, regardless of income, have the right to high-quality health care and early preventive care. Funded partly by a large foundation grant, the program offers all elementary and middle school students in the district medical, dental, and…

This article reviews recent changes in the mental health system's response to children and adolescents with serious emotional disabilities, emphasizing developments in service delivery and service demonstration research and evaluation efforts. The role of research is examined in terms of its critical importance in improving the system of care for…

Surveys leaders from various roles in the managed-care and mental-health professions to identify current and future marketplace trends affecting the clinical practice of mental-health counseling. Identifies training and continuing education needs based upon these interviews. (Author/GCP)

Factors that contribute to resilience provide a framework for demonstrating how mental health professionals can build on strengths in adolescents in a violence reduction program. Article profiles the resilient youth as one who is optimistic, empathetic, has a caring temperament, and can attract friendships. (Author/JDM)

Compares mental health services from Anglo-American and Native perspectives, focusing on the cultural self as a suggested locus for greater credibility and increased use of these services. Recommends cultural competence as a model for community-specific policy for the design and implementation of services to increase the probability of…

A study of 1,015 children with behavior problems investigated the impact of a child's emotional and behavioral problems on the family. Families of youth who first used mental health services when they were ages 10-15 showed significantly higher rates and levels of family impact than families of youth who did not enter services. (Author/CR)